Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Greens) and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will discuss topical foreign and security policy questions, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, long-term support to Ukraine and current NATO matters.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Photograph: Ron Przysucha / Public Domain

Today, the roar of the helicopters, police presence and traffic jams in Helsinki center are not going to be unnoticed by anyone.

Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto (Greens) is hosting U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Finland on Friday.

The Foreign Ministry noted in a statement that Haavisto and Blinken will discuss topical foreign and security policy questions, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, long-term support to Ukraine and current NATO matters.

In the morning, Foreign Minister Haavisto and U.S. Secretary of State Blinken signed a joint statement with Finland and the United States on the cooperation in advanced wireless communications, namely 6G.

Finland has been at the forefront of 6G research and development globally since the world’s first large-scale 6G research program was launched in Finland in 2018.

At the signing event, Blinken praised “on a personal note” how much he values the partnership with Finland “over this extraordinary year plus.”

“Truly historic. In what’s happened and what’s produced,” Blinken said. “I think it’s fair to say that your leadership and partnership has helped achieve historic results for Finland, for Europe, for the relationship between us and in many ways for the world. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

U.S. secretary of state’s visit continues with a meeting with Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP).

The Helsinki Police Department noted in a statement that “there will be convoys on the roads in the city center of Helsinki. The convoys may cause momentary stops in traffic.”

In addition, air traffic will also be restricted during the visit. A temporarily restricted zone is in effect in the city center until June 3 at 01:00 in the morning.

There may also be momentary restrictions to waterborne traffic.

“The United States is a key ally for Finland. This visit is a testament to the solid foundation of our bilateral relationship. In the current security situation, deepening our dialogue with the United States is important,” Foreign Minister Haavisto said in a statement earlier.

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